Mindful Consumption: How to Choose The Best Products for You and the Planet
Mindful Consumption: How to Choose The Best Products for You and the Planet
Author: Grove Team
According to a report from Environment America, the average US citizen creates 4.9 pounds of trash daily by buying everyday goods and services.¹ Yet, as awareness of our environmental impact and the social consequences of our purchases grows, navigating the world of sustainable shopping can feel a bit overwhelming.
This guide will take you through the basics of mindful consumption, so you can make informed choices that benefit both you and our home planet.
What makes a product sustainable?
A truly sustainable product starts with ethical production. This means not only ensuring that farms and factories are run safely and provide fair wages, but also aiming to minimize waste, conserve water, and prioritize renewable energy sources. Durability is another key factor; choosing high-quality items that last longer means fewer replacements, which is better for both your wallet and the environment. Additionally, it’s important to consider materials — look for those that are proven to be recyclable or certified as compostable. These products can either break down naturally or be repurposed without causing substantial harm to the planet. Finally, be mindful of packaging, opting for minimal packaging whenever possible.
Decoding labels and spotting greenwashing
If you want to improve your mindful consumption habits, start by looking for labels on packaging to see which products fully align with your values.
Well-known certifications like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) for responsibly managed forests, USDA Organic for certified organic practices, ENERGY STAR for energy-efficient appliances, and ECOCERT for organic cosmetics and textiles can offer reliable assurance that a product meets strict environmental standards. Third-party verification from independent organizations can further strengthen a brand’s commitment to sustainability and ethical practices.
To avoid being misled by labels on packaging, be wary of vague terms like "natural" or "green" — anything that doesn’t require proof in order to be printed. If a label makes promises that aren’t backed by research, testing, or field experts, consider it a yellow flag. Research the company’s practices, and look for transparent, detailed reports on how they’re working to protect the environment, from product production to product disposal.
6 tips for mindful consumption
Simple, yet effective, these tips should help you shop more mindfully and save money while you’re at it:
Prioritize needs over wants: We’ve all experienced a time when we’ve bought something, only to realize we didn’t really need it. Food gets wasted, some toys never make it out of the toybox, and clothing items take up space in the closet without being worn. Prioritize needs over wants by avoiding impulse shopping at the store, and keeping a mental list of everything you already have. Online, avoid “window shopping” on websites and watching social media content that encourages overconsumption. Before you buy an item, ask yourself: Do I need this? Or do I already have something that’s just (or almost) as good?
Buy local: Local products generally have a smaller carbon footprint since they don’t have to travel long distances to reach you. Plus, locally-made products are more likely to be made from local materials and ingredients, which can mean more investment in agriculture that supports your nearby environment and the livelihoods of people in your area. You can even challenge yourself to buy local as much as possible, which can help you meaningfully reduce how much you consume overall.
Choose secondhand: Thrift stores, online marketplaces, and vintage shops are great places to find quality secondhand items. By buying used, you’re giving products a second life and helping reduce the demand for new ones. Plus, many older products are made from more high-quality, durable materials than modern products made from plastic, particle board, or synthetic fibers — a win for the planet and a win for you.
Invest in quality: It might seem tempting to choose the cheaper option, but spending a little more on items that are built to last will save you money in the long run. Durable products have a lower environmental impact since they don’t need to be replaced as often. A few areas to really invest in? Think furniture, clothing, or any other reusable home goods that can be passed down or shared.
Support sustainable brands: Seek out companies that are transparent about their commitment to sustainability and low-waste solutions. These brands should prioritize ethical sourcing, planet-friendly materials, and sustainable practices throughout their supply chain. For an easy place to start, look out for B Corporations and those with research-backed certifications.
Reduce packaging waste: Do your part to minimize waste by taking small steps throughout your day. Bring reusable bags, containers, and water bottles with you when you shop. Try shopping at bulk bin and refill stores. Switch from products in plastic bottles to other formats you might not have tried before. Every small effort to cut down on single-use packaging makes a bigger impact over time.
Sources:
1 Environment America. (2021). Trash in America: Moving from Destructive Consumption Towards a Zero-Waste System. Retrieved January 23, 2025, from https://environmentamerica.org/center/resources/trash-in-america-2/
